Evansville, IN Mesker Park Zoo Gives Update on Baby Penguin 2023

Welcome to the World Baby Penguin 'Chick'

The new baby penguin, known as a chick, was born on Sunday, April 2, 2023. Unlike a typical baby announcement, we don't know the weight or length. The zoo keepers are checking on it daily to make sure it is staying healthy.

Four-Week (Almost) Update

We've been anxiously awaiting an update from the Zoo Keepers at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden. We now know that the cutie is a little over a pound, and is getting a little fuzzy.

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Little Fuzzy Buddy

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Pretty Penguin Pose

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Penguin chick check-in: Our first chick is weighing in well over a pound now and has started holding itself up. "It sort of has a dinosaur walk", says keeper Chris. Its eyes are open now and it's starting to move around the nest a little bit as well. Its current feathers are fuzzier to help with temperature control while in the nest, remember it won't be on exhibit until its waterproof feathers grow in.

Two Big Questions Remain

You are probably wondering if it is a boy or a girl. Well, in the bird world, you can't just tell what it is right off the bat. In order to determine the sex of the chick, a blood sample has been sent to be evaluated.

Once we know if the baby penguin is a boy or a girl, Mesker Park Zoo plans on hosting a naming fundraiser as a way to support the Zoo.